Cover for cargo in transit and device for securing a cover to cargo

ABSTRACT

A device for covering an object which is transported in an air stream, including a cover which at least partially traverses the object, and a differential pressure device disposed on the cover which creates a pressure differential between the air under the cover and the air passing over or around the cover, where the pressure differential causes the air under the cover to exhaust to an exterior of the cover, drawing the cover toward the object, and where the pressure differential device creates the pressure differential when the covered object is transported in a frontward position with respect to a direction of travel and in a rearward position with respect to the direction of transport.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/223,093 filed on Sep. 9, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/608,793 of the same title filed onSep. 9, 2004, both of which applications are herein incorporated byreference. The application is also related to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,673,961and 5,997,071 granted Oct. 7, 1997 and Dec. 7, 1999, respectively, bothof which applications are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invent generally relates to covers for protecting cargobeing transported by motor vehicles and, more particularly, to aprotective cover having features for securing the cover to the cargo bydifferential pressure.

Covers are widely employed during transit to protect valuable cargo,such as boats and other personal watercraft, snowmobiles, automobiles,bicycles, etc., from the elements of weather and from wind blown debris.However, at higher speeds, air flow has a tendency to blow the cover offthe cargo. As a result, tie down devices such as straps and buckles havebeen employed to secure the cover over the cargo. However, even whentied down, such cover has a tendency to whip and buffet as a result ofthe air flow about the cover particularly when a high speed air streamflows under the cover. This whipping and buffeting can cause the coverto tear and even damage the cargo underneath it. Moreover, the whippingand buffeting of the cover generates considerable noise and can produceundesired drag with respect to forward movement.

Accordingly, a cover for protecting cargo in transit is desired whichprovides simple and effective securing of the cover to the cargo.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a cover for an object in transport and a devicefor securing such cover to the object. More broadly, the inventionprovides a device for securing one object to another.

In one embodiment of the invention, a device for covering an objectwhich is transported in an air stream is provided. The device includes acover which at least partially traverses the object and a differentialpressure device disposed on the cover. The differential pressure devicecreates a pressure differential between the air under the cover and theair passing over or around the cover. This pressure differential causesthe air under the cover to exhaust to an exterior of the cover, drawingthe cover toward the object. The pressure differential device createsthe pressure differential when the covered object is transported in afrontward position with respect to a direction of travel and in arearward position with respect to the direction of transport.

The invention additionally provides another embodiment of a device forcovering an object which is transported in an air stream. Here, thedevice includes a cover, an exhaust aperture formed in the cover, amember disposed at least partially over the aperture including anopening oriented at an angle of approximately 180° with respect to adirection of transport, and a pathway extending from the aperture to theopening.

The invention further provides another exemplary embodiment of a devicefor covering an object which is transported in an air stream. Thisdevice includes a cover, at least one exhaust aperture formed in thecover, a member disposed at least partially over the aperture includinga plurality of openings, and a plurality of pathways extending from theat least one aperture to the corresponding openings.

The invention also provides a device for securing a first object to asecond object in a fluid stream. This device includes a member disposedon the first object proximate to an aperture formed in the first object,where the member creates a low pressure in the fluid stream proximate tothe opening of the member independent of the direction of the fluidstream relative to the member. The low pressure area draws higherpressure fluid from between the first and second objects through theaperture to create a suction between the first and second objectionswhich secures the first object to the second object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alikein the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a cover embodying the present invent as securedabout a watercraft on a trailer;

FIG. 2 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the cover showing a device thereonand diagrammatic air flow thereabout;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the device and cover taken along the lineB-B of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view of the cover with a device thereon inanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8-14 are additional enlarged partial views of the cover with adevice thereon in other embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the cover secured about the watercraft wherethe watercraft is positioned on the trailer in an opposite direction;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the cover secured on the watercraft with thewatercraft pitched on the trailer;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the cover secured on the watercraft with thewatercraft pitched on the trailer; and

FIG. 18 is a top view of a cover of the invention secured to thewatercraft, the cover including various devices fixed thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning first to FIGS. 1-3, therein illustrated is an exemplaryprotective cover embodying the present invention, generally designatedby the numeral 10, covering a watercraft generally designated by thenumeral 12. The watercraft 12 is transported on a trailer 14 in thedirection of travel, indicated by the arrow T, by a vehicle (not shown).

The cover 10 is shown and described herein as applied to the watercraft12 for exemplary purposes only. It shall be understood that theprotective cover of the present invention may be applied to any cargo intransit including, but not limited to, boats and other personalwatercraft, snowmobiles, automobiles, bicycles, motorcycles, and/orother items in tow by a motor vehicle, train, etc., or otherwiseexternally exposed during transit. This being understood, for purposesof simplicity and example, the cover is herein described with respect tothe watercraft 12.

The cover 10 is preferably made of a flexible, air impermeable materialwhich is dimensioned and configured to conform closely to exteriorcontours of the watercraft 12. The cover 10 has a bottom 22 whichdefines an opening large enough to fit over a hull 13 of the watercraft12. The bottom 22 of the cover 10 is fitted to and secured about theperiphery of the hull 13 of the watercraft 12 by a securing feature suchas an elasticized band 44 about the bottom edge 22.

The cover 10 has a front end 16 which is disposed forwardly in relationto the direction of travel T. The cover 10 further includes sides 24, atop 25, and a rear end 18 disposed opposite the front end 16. As thewatercraft 12 of FIG. 1 is transported on the trailer 14, air flows overand around the cover 10 opposite the direction of travel T from thefront end 16 to the rear end 18.

The cover 10 additionally includes at least one pressure differentialdevice, generally designated by the numeral 28. As best seen in FIGS. 4and 5, each device 28 is disposed over an exhaust aperture 26 formed inthe cover 10. Turning back to FIGS. 1-3, the device 28 and exhaustaperture 26 are disposed on the top 25 of the cover 10. In a preferredembodiment, several devices 28, for example two devices 28 and twocorresponding exhaust apertures 26, are disposed at the top 25 of thecover 10 and are aligned with a longitudinal axis A-A of the watercraft12 as best seen in FIG. 3. The shape of the exhaust apertures 26desirably conforms to the shape of the device 28 which is securedthereover. Preferably the apertures 26 are oval in shape or partly ovalsuch as, for example, a tear-drop shape. However, the inventioncontemplates the apertures comprising any desired configuration such as,for example, rectangular, circular, or, more generally, any rectilinearor curvilinear shape or combination thereof.

Returning to FIGS. 4 and 5, a pressure differential device 28 is shownin an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The device 28 has a baseportion 30 in the form of an outwardly extending flange and first andsecond body portions 31 and 32, respectively, each of generally arcuatecross section which extend oppositely from one another and outwardlyfrom the base 30. The device 28 is fixed to the exterior of the coverover two exhaust apertures 26. For example, the device 28 may be sewn bythread 40 to the cover 10, as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, of course,the device 28 may be fixed to the cover 10 by welding, adhesives, or anysuitable fixation means. In this embodiment, the body portions 31, 32 ofthe device 28 each have an elongated, streamlined configuration whichapproximates an axial segment of a cone, thus giving the base portion agenerally X-like shape.

Of course, the body portions 31, 32 and the base portion 30, and thedevice in general, may have any of a variety of shapes suitable forenhancing a pressure differential, as discussed in more detail herein.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 4-5, thebody portions 31, 32 have closed ends 34 disposed adjacent one anotherand open ends 36 disposed opposite the respective closed ends 34. Eachof the first and second body portions 31,32 provide a passage 38 fromthe exhaust aperture 26 to the open end 36.

The device 28 and apertures 26 of the cover 10 result in the desiredpressure differential, as discussed in more detail below, when thedevice 28 and apertures 26 are disposed generally at any low turbulentarea on the cover 10 and generally in any orientation with respect tothe direction of movement T of the watercraft trailer 14. For example,with reference to FIGS. 1-5, the device 28 and aperture 26 may bedisposed on the top 25, sides 24, front end 16, rear end 18, etc. of thecover 10. Additionally, the device 28 and aperture 26 may be disposed onthe cover 10 such that a longitudinal axis B-B of the device 28 isperpendicular to the direction of movement T or at any angle thereto.For example, the longitudinal axis B-B of the device 28 may be parallelto the direction of movement T, or at 30° with respect to the directionof movement T, or at 60° with respect to T, or at 90°, etc.

A preferred orientation of the device 28 and apertures 26 is with thelongitudinal axis B-B perpendicular to the direction of movement T and apreferred disposition of the device 28 and apertures 26 on the cover 10is on the top 25 thereof along the longitudinal axis A-A of thewatercraft 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 15-18.

Where the longitudinal axis B-B of the device 28 is oriented as such(i.e., generally perpendicular to the direction of travel T), a smoothstream of air passes over the streamlined shape of the device 28, asillustrated by the arrows 46, and, due to Venturi effects, createsand/or enhances a drop in air pressure in the area of the open end 36.This pressure drop creates a pressure differential between the air inthe area of the open end 36 and the air under the cover. The pressuredifferential induces the air to exhaust from under the cover 10 throughthe exhaust aperture 26 (as illustrated by the unshaded arrow 48 inFIGS. 4 and 5). The exhausting air causes, in essence, a suction whichdraws the cover closely to the surface of the watercraft 12. The device28 enhances the pressure differential between the air under the cover 10and the air passing over the cover 10. The desired suction effect isaccordingly maximized. Thus, without excessive use of straps, buckles,etc., the cover is adhered tightly onto the cargo and buffeting andwhipping of the cover is significantly inhibited.

With conventional covers, forces which cause buffeting thereof increasewith vehicle speed. In the cover 10 of the present invention, however,the pressure differential created by the device 28, and thus theresulting air exhaust 48, correspondingly increases with vehicle speedand counteracts the increasing buffeting forces to keep the cover 10tightly conforming to the peripheral surface of the watercraft 12. Thatis, as the speed of the airflow 46 increases with the traveling speed,the pressure differential at the device 28 correspondingly increases,inducing more air to exhaust and causing the cover 10 to conform moretightly to the surface of the watercraft 12.

It is emphasized that the device 28 is effective at creating andenhancing the desired pressure differential, and hence the resultingsuction of air from beneath the cover 10, when the device 28 is orientedin any direction and/or disposition with respect to the direction oftravel T of the trailer 14. That is, the device 28 and the correspondingapertures 26 may be disposed such that the longitudinal axis B-B of thedevice 28 is at any angle to the direction of travel T, such as 90° tothe direction of travel T, or 30°, 45°, 60°, 270°, etc.

The pressure differential device of the cover 10 has been described thusfar with reference to the device 28 of FIGS. 4-5. However, the device 28only represents one exemplary embodiment within the broad scope of theinvention. FIGS. 6-14 show additional exemplary configurations of apressure differential device of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a pressure differential device 128 according to theinvention. Herein forward, elements which are consistent from one Figureto another will be indicated by consistent reference numerals and willnot be specifically reintroduced. The device 128 is fixed on a portionof the cover 10, as will be discussed further herein, and is generallydisposed over the exhaust aperture 26. The device 128 includes a base130 affixed to the cover 10 and a body portion 132 extending from thebase 130 and away from the cover 10. As discussed above with respect tothe device 28, here the base 130 of the device 128 may be fixed to thecover by the thread 40 or other suitable means such as welding,adhesives, etc. The base portion 130 is generally V-shaped and the bodyportion 132 is generally curvilinear in shape and, more specifically, ispartially conical in shape. The body portion 132 includes the closed end34 and open end 36 discussed above. Here, the closed end 34 is locatedat the apex of the partial cone shaped body portion 132, the open end 36is oppositely disposed.

Here again, as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 4-5, the device128 creates, enhances, and maximizes a pressure differential between airunder the cover 10 and air passing over or around the device 128, thuscausing a suction which exhausts air from under the cover 10 through theaperture 26 which has the effect of drawing the cover tightly andsecurely against the cargo being transported. For example, when thedevice is subjected to an air stream 46 in a direction generallyparallel to a longitudinal axis C-C of the device 128, as shown in FIGS.6-7, an area of reduced air pressure is generated proximate the open end36 of the body portion 132. This reduced pressure area draws air 48 fromunder the cover 10 out of the aperture 26 to an exterior of the cover10. The exhausting air 48 creates a suction beneath the cover 10 whichdraws the cover toward the cargo and secures the cover firmly thereon.

In the above discussed example, the device 128 is fixed on the cover 10so that the axis C-C of the device 128 is generally parallel to adirection of transport of the cargo and thus correspondingly generallyparallel to the air stream 46. However, the device may be disposed inany orientation or disposition on the cover as desired. That is, thedevice creates and maximizes the pressure differential when disposedgenerally at any angle with respect to a direction of transport. Forexample, the device may be disposed perpendicular to the air stream, orat 30° thereto, or 45°, or 60°, etc., as desired for a particularapplication of the cover 10.

FIG. 8 shows a pressure differential device 228 in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention affixed onto the cover 10. Thedevice 228 comprises a body portion 232 having a base 230 which is sewn,welded, adhered, etc. onto the cover 10 such that the device 228 isgenerally disposed over the exhaust aperture 26. The body portion 232has a generally elongated pyramidal shape with the oppositely disposedclosed end 34 and open end 36.

The pressure differential device 228 functions to create, enhance, andmaximize a pressure differential as similarly discussed above withreference to FIGS. 4-7. That is, when an air stream 46 passes over oraround the body portion 232, an area of reduced pressure is generatedproximate the open end 36 which draws higher pressure air 48 from underthe cover 10 through the aperture 26 thus causing a suction whichadheres the cover to the cargo being transported. Of course, asdiscussed above concerning the previous embodiments, the device 228 maybe positioned and oriented as desired on the cover 10 such that the airstream 46 approaches the device 228 from any angle with respect to alongitudinal axis D-D of the device.

FIG. 9 shows a pressure differential device 328 in another embodiment ofthe invention. The device 328 includes an X-shaped base 330, fixed tothe cover 10 as by means described above, and further includes a firstbody portion 331 and a second body portion 332 extending from the base330 and way from the cover 10. The first and second body portions 331and 332 comprise elongated pyramidal members which extend oppositelyfrom one another over respective apertures 26. Each body portion 331,332 includes the closed end 34 and the open end 36 discussed previously.The body portion 331, 332 meet at respective closed ends 34.

Here again, the air stream 46 which passes over the device 328 when thecover 10 is in movement creates, enhances, and maximizes a reducedpressure area proximate the open ends 36 of the body portions 331, 332which draws higher pressure air 48 from under the cover 10 creating asuction and thus tightly securing the cover 10 on the cargo. The device328 may be positioned at any orientation on the cover 10 such that theair stream 46 is incident upon the device 328 at any angle relative to alongitudinal axis of the device 328. That is, as with previouslydiscussed embodiments, the device 328 effectively forms the pressuredifferential and the desired suction effect regardless of the angle ofincidence of the air stream 46.

FIG. 10 shows a generally cylindrically shaped pressure differentialdevice 428 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. Thedevice 428 includes a base 430 affixed to the cover 10 atop the aperture26 by fixation means discussed hereinabove. A body portion 432 of thedevice 428 extends from the base 430 and away from the cover 10. Thebody portion 432 is generally shaped as a hollow or partially-hollowcylinder. The body portion 432 is disposed atop the aperture 26 andincludes an aperture which corresponds to the aperture 26 thus forming apathway from under the cover 10 into the interior of thehollow/partially-hollow cylinder of the body portion 432. The device 428further includes two opposite ends 450, at least one of which is open.In FIG. 10, both of the ends 450 are open. However, in anotherembodiment of the invention, the body portion 432 includes one open end450 and one closed end 450. In the figure, two elongated apertures 26are shown proximate to the open ends 450. In another embodiment, thedevice 428 includes a single aperture 26 or multiple apertures 26 alongits length where the apertures 26 have any shape or elongation desired.

FIG. 11 shows a differential pressure device 528 in still anotherembodiment of the invention. The device 528 is, essentially, anelongated hemispherical member affixed to the cover 10, by meansdiscussed herein, atop the aperture 26. The device 528 includes a base530 attached to the cover 10 and a body portion 532 extending therefrom,the body portion 532 including opposite ends 550 which open to theexterior. Apertures 26 are disposed proximate to the open ends 550. Inan alternate embodiment, the device 528 includes one closed end 550, oneopen end 550, and one aperture 26 disposed proximate to the open end550. Also, the device 528 may include one or more apertures 26 extendingpartially or entirely beneath the length of the body portion 532 andhaving any shape and/or configuration as desired.

The devices 428 and 528 are described, respectively, as includinggenerally cylindrical and hemispherical shapes. The inventioncontemplates additional and alternate shapes such aspartially-cylindrical, partially hemispherical, etc.

The devices 428 and 528, as mentioned, are generally hollow or partiallyhollow elements. That is, one embodiment comprises the devices 428, 528as essentially curvilinear tube-like elements. In another embodiment,the devices 428, 528 include a member, a solid or partially-solidsection, etc. disposed within the respective body portion 432, 532. Forexample, the devices 428, 528 can include a solid or partially-solidmiddle portion.

The devices 428 and 528 function similar to previously discussedembodiments in creating a differential pressure which imposes a suctioneffect upon the cover 10. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the air stream 46passes over the respective body portions 432, 532 and forms an enhancedarea of low pressure proximate to the open ends 450, 550 which causesthe higher pressure air 48 to exhaust through the apertures 26 to theexterior, thus creating a suction which draws the cover 10 tightlyagainst the cargo. As with previously discussed embodiments of theinvention, the devices 428 and 528 effectively create the desiredpressure differential when disposed at any angle relative to the angleof incidence of the air stream 46.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show further embodiments of rectilinear shaped pressuredifferential devices 628 and 728, respectively, in accordance with theinvention. The device 628 is of a relatively narrow configurationwhereas the device 728 has a wider, flatter shape as evident in thedrawings. Both devices 628, 728 include respective bases 630, 730affixed to the cover 10 and respective body portions 632, 732 extendingtherefrom. The body portions 632, 732 are positioned atop at least oneaperture 26 which is disposed proximate an open end 650, 750 of therespective body portion 632, 732. One or both of the ends 650, 750 ofthe body portions 632, 732 may be open to the exterior of the device.

The devices 628 and 728 are hollow or partially-hollow rectilinearmembers. That is, one embodiment comprises the devices 628, 728 asessentially rectilinear tubes disposed atop one or more of the apertures26. One or both of the oppositely disposed ends are open to theexterior. In another embodiment, the devices 628, 728 include a memberor a solid or partially solid section, etc. disposed within therespective body portion 632, 732. For example, the devices 628, 728 caninclude a solid or partially-solid middle portion.

The devices 628 and 728 function similar to previously discussedembodiments in creating a differential pressure which imposes a suctioneffect upon the cover 10. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the air stream 46passes over the respective body portions 632, 732 and forms an enhancedarea of low pressure proximate to the open end(s) 650, 750 which causesthe higher pressure air 48 to exhaust through the aperture 26 to theexterior, thus creating a suction which draws the cover 10 tightlyagainst the cargo. As with previously discussed embodiments of theinvention, the devices 628 and 728 effectively create the desiredpressure differential when disposed at any angle relative to the angleof incidence of the air stream 46.

A further embodiment of a pressure differential mechanism according tothe invention is shown in FIG. 14 and generally indicated at 828. Thedevice 828 includes a base 830 affixed to the cover 10 as discussedherein and further includes a body portion 832 extending from the base830 away from the cover 10. The device 828 is disposed on the cover 10atop one or more of the apertures 26.

Thus far, the pressure differential devices of the invention describedherein have been elongated members with one or more open ends fashionedover the apertures 26 such that air from under the cover 10 can exhaustthrough the aperture 26 and through the open end to an exterior of thedevice. The device 828 of the present embodiment, however, does notinclude such open end but instead includes an open top portion 875disposed on an upper area of the body portion 832. The open top portion875 is communicably engaged with the aperture 26 such that air 48 mayexhaust from under the cover 10 through the aperture 26 and out the opentop portion 875. That is, the body portion 832 is for example hollow, orpartially-hollow, or includes a pathway, etc. such that the air fromunder the cover 10 has an exhaust passageway.

As shown in FIG. 14, the device 828 is rectilinear in shape and includesa plurality of sloped sides 880 to facilitate passage of the air stream46 over the device 828. Two such sloped sides 880 are shown. The device828 may include more or less sloped sides 880, as desired. Additionally,the rectilinear configuration of the device 880 is exemplary. The device880 can alternatively include a curvilinear shape or a shape having bothcurvilinear and rectilinear features.

The open top portion 875 of the device 828 is shown in FIG. 14 as anoval opening formed at an upper area of the body portion 832. In anotherembodiment, this opening includes a rectilinear or combinationrectilinear-curvilinear shape. The device 828 may further include a lipor rim or other feature disposed partially or wholly around or over theopen top portion 875.

As alluded to above, the device 828 is configured to draw the air 48from under the cover 10. Specifically, air 46 passing over or around thedevice 828 forms an area of reduced pressure proximate to the open topportion 875. In response to the lower pressure, air 48 from beneath thecover 10 having a higher pressure is drawn through the aperture 26,through the body portion 832, and out the open top portion 875 to theexterior of the device. The exhausting of the air creates a suctioneffect which draws the cover tightly against and around the cargo beingtransported. Notably, the device 828 results in the pressuredifferential when subjected to the air flow 46 at any angle of incidencerelative to a longitudinal axis of the device 828.

As mentioned extensively throughout, the pressure differential device28, 128, 228, 328, etc. of the invention effectively and efficientlycreates, enhances, maximizes and maintains the desired difference inpressures regardless of the orientation or disposition of the device onthe cover 10 relative to the direction of transport of the coveredcargo. In other words, when subjected to an air stream at generally anyangle relative to a longitudinal axis of the pressure differentialdevice, the device effectively attains the desired pressure difference.This enables the device 28, 128, 228, etc. to be placed at any positionand at any angle on the cover 10. In a preferred embodiment, the devicesare disposed on the cover in areas of reduced turbulence.

The effectiveness of the device 28, 128, 228, etc. in creating thedesired pressure differential and hence the resulting suction effectwhen the device is disposed at any location on the cover 10 and at anyangle with respect to the direction of movement T enables broadadvantageous usage of the cover 10. For example, referring again toFIGS. 1-3, the cover 10 secured to the water craft 12 may be towed onthe trailer 14 in the direction of travel T as shown. With thewatercraft oriented as such during travel, the air stream 46 passes overthe device 28 as indicated forming a pressure drop at the open end(s) 36of the device 28 causing the exhaust of air 48 from beneath the cover10, thus suctioning the cover 10 to the watercraft 12. Similarly, thewatercraft 12 may be oppositely disposed on the trailer 14 as shown inFIG. 15 such that the rear end 18 of the cover 10 faces the direction oftravel T. In this configuration, the air stream 46 again passes over the28 advantageously causing the pressure-differential-induced suctionwhich adheres the cover 10 to the water craft 12. That is, the desiredsuction of the cover 10 to the watercraft 12 is obtained irrespective ofthe positioning of the watercraft 12 on the trailer 14 with respect tothe direction of movement T.

The device 28 of the cover 10 is additionally effective when thewatercraft 12 is at any desired pitch with respect to the direction ofmovement T. For example, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the watercraft 12may be positioned on the trailer 14 pitched or angled with respect tothe direction of travel T. That is, the watercraft 12 is placed on thetrailer 14 such that the longitudinal axis A-A of the watercraft 12 isat an angle to the direction of movement T. FIG. 16 shows the watercraft12 pitched rearward with the rear end 18 lower than the front end 16 andFIG. 17 shows the watercraft 12 pitched forward with the front end 16lower than the rear end 18. In these configurations, and any otherangled or pitched positioning of the watercraft 12, the air stream 46again passes over the device 28, 128, 228, etc. as described above, tocreate the pressure differential and the resulting suction of the cover10 to the pitched/angled watercraft 12.

The ability to dispose the pressure differential device 28 andcorresponding aperture 26 in virtually any position on the cover 10 andin any orientation with respect to the direction of travel T such thatthe device 28 remains effective at creating thepressure-differential-induced suction of the cover 10 to the watercraft12 when the watercraft 12 is in transit in any direction and/or pitch,is not found in the prior art, is a marked improvement thereover, andresults in an advantageous protective cover generally suitable for wideapplications in the art of cargo transit.

As discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 15-17, in one embodiment ofthe invention, the pressure differential device 28, 128, 228, etc. isdisposed along the longitudinal axis A-A of the watercraft 12. (Seeparticularly FIG. 3.) However, this disposition of the device is merelyexemplary. The device may alternatively be disposed at an position onthe cover 10. FIG. 18 is a schematic elevation view of the watercraft 12which represents potential exemplary dispositions of the pressuredifferential device on the cover 10 of the invention. As shown, thedevice may be positioned along the watercraft axis A-A and at any anglethereto. Alternatively and/or additionally, the device 28, 128, 228,etc. can be disposed proximate to the top 25, the sides 24, the front16, and/or the rear 18 of the cover 10 as desired. Further, the pressuredifferential device may be disposed at any desired angle with respect tothe watercraft axis A-A. FIG. 18 simply shows exemplary potentialplacements of the pressure differential device and by no means limitsthe possible dispositions and orientations of the device(s) upon thecover. The cover 10 may include a single pressure differential device ora plurality of such devices.

As will be appreciated, various materials may be employed for theconstruction of the cover. Most conveniently, the cover is made of anair impermeable material which is flexible over a wide temperature rangeto accommodate for the various operating environments in which the covermay be used. Exemplary materials include synthetic resins such as 600denier polyester or 1200 denier polypropylene, with a polyurethane resincoating. Particularly, the cover may comprise a non-woven polypropylenelaminated to a polyethylene sheeting. Another material which may be usedis nylon or polyester film on a non-woven synthetic scrim.

Similarly, various materials may be employed for the construction of thedevice 28. Desirably, the device 28 will be lightweight and exhibitresiliency over a broad temperature range. Conveniently, the device 28is molded from of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene or othersimilar material.

As will be further appreciated, the device 28 may be attached to thecover 10 by suitable means including sewing by thread 40, adhesives,heat sealing, and fasteners such as rivets and staples.

It will be appreciated that the operation of the present invention ismost effective with covers which conform reasonably closely to thecontours of the cargo about which they are placed, but this is notessential. It is necessary that the bottom of the cover fit closelyabout the periphery of the cargo to minimize air flow thereunder intothe interior of the cover. Thus, covers with bottom portions which canbe drawn tightly about the cargo are desirable and this can be providedby elasticized edge portions, draw strings, hook and loop fasteners,etc.

In addition, although not normally necessary, it may be desirable tosecure the cover on the cargo by tie downs such as straps which canextend about the bottom of the cargo so that the cover is secured aboutthe cargo while it is being lifted or moved.

Thus, it can be seen from the foregoing detailed description andaccompanying drawings that the novel protective cover of the presentinvention is one which effectively fits relatively closely aboutarticles being transported and effectively prevents whipping andbuffeting of the cover at transport speeds by use of a unique pressuredifferential device positionable on the cover in virtually any locationthereon and in any orientation with respect to the direction oftransport which creates a pressure-differential-induced suction of thecover to the cargo when the cargo is transported in any direction and/orpitch with respect to the direction of movement. The cover may bereadily and economically fabricated for a large variety of cargos suchas boats and other personal watercraft, snowmobiles, automobiles,bicycles, motorcycles, and/or other items in tow or otherwise externallyexposed during transit.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A device for covering an object which is transported in an airstream, comprising: a cover which at least partially traverses theobject; and a differential pressure device disposed on the cover whichcreates a pressure differential between air under the cover and airpassing over or around the cover; wherein the pressure differentialcauses the air under the cover to exhaust to an exterior of the cover,drawing the cover toward the object; and wherein the pressuredifferential device creates the pressure differential when the coveredobject is transported in a frontward position with respect to adirection of transport and in a rearward position with respect to thedirection of transport.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the pressuredifferential device creates the pressure differential when the object ispitched forwardly with respect to the direction of transport and whenthe object is pitched rearwardly with respect to the direction oftransport.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the differential pressuredevice includes at least one opening through which the air from underthe cover exhausts, the opening facing a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of transport.
 4. The device of claim 1,wherein the differential pressure device includes at least one openingthrough which the air from under the cover exhausts, the opening facinga direction substantially parallel to the direction of transport.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the differential pressure device includes atleast one opening through which the air from under the cover exhausts,the opening facing a direction substantially perpendicular to thedirection of transport, or substantially parallel to the direction oftransport, or at an angle therebetween.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the differential pressure device comprises a body member, thecover comprises an aperture formed therethrough, and the body memberdelimits a pathway from the aperture to the exterior of the cover. 7.The device of claim 6, wherein the air from under the cover exhausts tothe exterior by passing through the aperture and through the pathway. 8.The device of claim 6, wherein the differential pressure device furthercomprises a base affixed to the cover proximate to the aperture suchthat the body member extends at least partially over the aperture. 9.The device of claim 8, wherein the pressure differential device furthercomprises at least one open end, the pathway extending from the apertureto the open end.
 10. The device of claim 6, wherein the pathway opens tothe exterior in a direction substantially perpendicular to the directionof movement.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the pressuredifferential is created proximate to the opening of the pathway to theexterior.
 12. The device of claim 6, further comprising a plurality ofsaid apertures formed in the cover, the body member affixed to the coverso as to extend at least partially over the plurality of apertures. 13.The device of claim 6, wherein the body member is substantiallypartially conical in shape.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein thepressure differential device comprises a body member and wherein thecover comprises at least one aperture formed therethrough, the bodymember delimiting a first and a second pathway from the at least oneaperture to the exterior of the cover.
 15. The device of claim 14,wherein the air from under the cover exhausts to the exterior by passingthrough the at least one aperture and through the first and secondpathways.
 16. The device of claim 14, wherein the differential pressuredevice further comprises a base affixed to the cover proximate to the atleast one aperture such that the body member extends at least partiallyover the aperture.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the pressuredifferential device further comprises a first open end and a second openend, the first pathway extending from the aperture to the first openend, the second pathway extending from the aperture to the second openend.
 18. The device of claim 14, wherein the first and second pathwaysopen to the exterior in a direction substantially perpendicular to thedirection of transport.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the pressuredifferential is created proximate to the openings of the first andsecond pathways to the exterior.
 20. The device of claim 14, wherein theat least one aperture comprises a first aperture and a second aperture,the body member comprising a first portion extending at least partiallyover the first aperture to delimit the first pathway, the body memberfurther comprising a second portion extending at least partially overthe second aperture to delimit the second pathway.
 21. The device ofclaim 20, wherein the body member further comprises a closed middleportion, and wherein each of the first and second portions include aclosed end and an open end, the closed ends being disposed at the closedmiddle portion, the open ends extending in opposite directions from theclosed middle portion.
 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the open endsof the first and second portions face a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of transport.
 23. The device of claim 14,wherein the body member comprises two substantially partially conicalmembers adjoined at respective closed apex ends and extending oppositelytherefrom, over the aperture, to respective open ends, the conicalmembers including rectilinear and/or curvilinear features.
 24. A devicefor covering an object which is transported in an air stream,comprising: a cover; an exhaust aperture formed in the cover; a memberdisposed at least partially over the aperture including an openingoriented at an angle of 180° with respect to a direction of transport; apathway extending from the aperture to the opening.
 25. The device ofclaim 24, wherein the member includes a closed end disposed opposite theopening, and wherein the member delimits the pathway.
 26. The device ofclaim 24, wherein the member, when exposed to the air stream, forms apressure differential between air under the cover and air passing overor around the member, wherein the pressure differential causes the airunder the cover to exhaust through the aperture and pathway to anexterior of the cover, drawing the cover toward the object.
 27. A devicefor covering an object which is transported in an air stream,comprising: a cover; at least one exhaust aperture formed in the cover;a member disposed at least partially over the aperture including aplurality of openings; and a plurality of pathways extending from the atleast one aperture to the corresponding openings.
 28. The device ofclaim 27 wherein the member, when exposed to the air stream, forms apressure differential between air under the cover and air passing overor around the member, wherein the pressure differential causes the airunder the cover to exhaust through the aperture and pathways to anexterior of the cover, drawing the cover toward the object.
 29. A devicefor securing a first object to a second object in a fluid stream,comprising: a member disposed on the first object proximate to anaperture formed in the first object; wherein the member creates a lowpressure in the fluid stream proximate to the aperture independent of adirection of the fluid stream, wherein said low pressure draws higherpressure fluid from between the first and second objects through theaperture to create a suction between the first and second objectionswhich secures the first object to the second object.